Highlights
- No background checks are required for private gun sales in the state.
- You don’t need a permit to sell a gun as well.
- Mississippi doesn't require gun registration.
- Always maintain your gun well to fetch a higher price.
- If selling a gun privately seems like a hassle to you, sell to Cash for Arms.
How to Legally Sell a Gun in Mississippi
Preemption Laws
Mississippi has state preemption laws. Local governments can't restrict guns or ammo. This includes their possession, carrying, transportation, sale, and ownership.
Private Sales
Private sales of guns are legal in Mississippi. There are no state laws requiring background checks for private sales.
Background Checks
There are no requirements for background checks on private sales of guns in Mississippi.
Purchase Permits
Mississippi doesn’t require a permit to purchase long guns or handguns.
Gun Registry
There’s no gun registry in Mississippi.
Red Flag Laws
Mississippi doesn’t have any red flag laws.
Waiting Period
There’s no waiting period for purchasing guns in Mississippi. Buyers can immediately take possession of your gun after closing the sale.
Transaction Limits
Mississippi doesn’t limit the number of guns that can be purchased simultaneously.
If you want to sell a large amount of guns, Cash for Arms offers liquidation services for Mississippi residents. We will buy guns from private collections, estates, and even store inventories. This will help you get the best value for your gun collection with the least amount of hassle.
Assault Weapons Ban
There are no bans on assault weapons in Mississippi.
NFA Items
Mississippi doesn’t have state restrictions on NFA items, which include suppressors, short-barreled rifles, and machine guns, beyond federal regulations.
Magazine Capacity Restrictions
There are no restrictions on magazine capacity in Mississippi.
Required IDs From the Buyer
To ensure you sell to eligible individuals, ask for at least a driver’s license or state ID.
Safety Device Requirement
Mississippi doesn’t require buyers to have a safety device to take possession of a gun.
Reporting the Sale of a Gun
There’s no requirement in Mississippi to report the sale of a gun in private sales.
How to Get the Best Price for Your Gun in Mississippi
1. Know Your Gun’s Value
Research the market price for your gun to ensure you're asking a fair price. This involves checking online marketplaces, gun shops, and auction sites.
If you overprice your gun, you may struggle to find buyers. Conversely, underpricing may leave money on the table. It could also attract suspicious buyers seeking too-good-to-be-true deals.
2. Clean and Maintain Your Gun
A well-maintained gun is more attractive to potential buyers and may fetch a better price. Before listing, thoroughly clean your gun and oil moving parts and address minor issues.
This way, you could improve its condition.
Here’s a rough estimate of how conditions can generally affect the pricing of your gun:
Mint/Near-Mint Condition
A gun in mint or near-mint condition appears virtually untouched as if it has just left the factory floor or been fired only a handful of times. It shows no significant signs of use or handling, with perfect or nearly perfect finishes.
Possible Pricing: These guns command the highest prices, typically fetching 85-100% of their original value.
Excellent Condition
Guns in excellent condition display light use but no significant wear. All original parts are intact, and the gun functions flawlessly with only minor, barely noticeable blemishes.
Possible Pricing: These are typically valued at 75-85% of mint condition prices.
Very Good Condition
A gun in very good condition shows clear signs of use but has been well-maintained. It may have minor dings, scratches, or finish wear, especially in high-contact areas. However, all parts are original and work fully.
Possible Pricing: These guns usually fetch 50-75% of mint condition prices.
Fair Condition
A gun in fair condition exhibits considerable wear and may be missing non-essential parts. It may need repairs to work well. It could have a worn finish, deep scratches, or minor rust spots.
Possible Pricing: These guns are typically priced at 35-50% of mint condition value.
Poor Condition
Poor-condition guns show extensive wear and likely need significant repairs. They may have substantial rust, major blemishes, or non-functioning parts. In fact, these are often sold for parts or as restoration projects.
Possible Pricing: These guns are usually valued at only 20-35% of mint-condition prices.
Pro Tip: If you want to know the exact valuation of your gun, sell your gun to Cash for Arms. We can give you a free appraisal.
3. Take Quality Photos
Clear, detailed pictures of your gun can help attract serious buyers. Use good lighting and take photos from multiple angles, including close-ups of any unique features or wear.
For a shotgun, you may include photos of the entire gun, close-ups of the action, barrel, and any engraving or special features.
Bad photos can waste time with uninterested buyers. They can also cause disputes about the gun's condition after the sale.
4. Be Knowledgeable About Your Gun
When researching your gun, especially if you know little about it since maybe you got it as an inheritance or it’s a gun in probate, don’t just stop at knowing its market value. Be prepared to answer questions about the gun's history, any modifications, and its performance.
For example, if you're selling a competition pistol, be ready to discuss any custom work done, round count, and how it has performed in matches.
A lack of knowledge might make buyers suspicious or lead them to undervalue the gun.
Selling Your Gun to an FFL Dealer
If you're tired of the hassles of private sales, try selling your gun to an FFL dealer. It might be the solution you need. This way, you can avoid finding buyers, arranging meetups, and dealing with last-minute cancellations.
This option can save you time, ensure a legal transfer, and provide a more secure transaction.
There are several types of FFL dealers you might consider:
- Online gun buyers. Some FFL dealers operate primarily online, offering to purchase guns remotely. One good example of this is Cash for Arms.
- Mississippi gun shops. Many local gun stores purchase used guns. They often have knowledgeable staff who can accurately assess your gun's value.
- Pawn shops. Many pawn shops are also licensed to buy and sell guns. However, be aware that they may offer lower prices compared to dedicated gun shops. They typically offer between 40-60% of your gun’s market value, even if it’s in mint condition!
- Large sporting goods stores. Some major sporting goods chains buy used guns or offer trade-in credits, like Bass Pro Shops. You just need to contact your local store for confirmation.
Selling a Gun With Cash for Arms
Cash for Arms is the most convenient and often most lucrative option in the list above. We specialize in buying used guns, and our process is designed to save you time and energy.
With Cash for Arms, you can sell your gun from home. This avoids uncomfortable face-to-face meetings and time-consuming trips to local shops.
Our three-step selling process is quick and easy:
- Request a quote. Fill out our online form via our website with details about your gun.
- Receive an offer. We'll promptly provide you with a competitive offer for your gun.
- Ship and get paid. If you accept our offer, you can ship your gun with our free shipping label. We’ll pay you as soon as we receive your gun and it passes inspection.
Conclusion
Selling a gun in Mississippi is straightforward, thanks to the state's relaxed laws. Whether you choose a private sale or an FFL dealer, knowing your gun's value and condition is key to a successful transaction.
If you want to skip the hassle of finding buyers and negotiating prices, consider Cash for Arms. Our simple process lets you get a quote, ship your gun for free, and get paid quickly.
Check out our website to see how much your gun is worth—you might be pleasantly surprised! If you prefer calling, call us at (904) 977-5477.